Suspect Pleads Guilty to Felony Animal Neglect

A College Area man faces prison and a fine of up to $20,000 after a dog was found dead in his yard.

A concerned citizen called County Animal Services Jan. 16 to report a dog that wasn’t moving. When Animal Control Officers arrived, they discovered a 2-year-old Chihuahua had died. A necropsy showed the dog had died of starvation.

The dog’s owner, Joshua Jones, told Animal Control Officers he had inherited the pet from his father who had passed away in March of 2014. Jones said he had given the pet away on Craigslist but the dog reappeared at his home two weeks before Animal Services was called to his home. He told officers he knew the dog was in terrible condition but that he was afraid to contact Animal Services.

“While we were too late to save this little dog’s life, this case highlights the importance of our community calling Animal Services to report possible animal cruelty or neglect,” said Animal Services Deputy Director Dan DeSousa.

Jones pleaded guilty to felony animal neglect at his readiness conference Friday and is scheduled to be sentenced June 25.

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact